Industrial Refrigeration Technician (Industrial Compressors)

C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc.; Carlstadt (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company where you will take ownership of all refrigeration systems. This role is crucial in ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime. You will be responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing HVAC and industrial refrigeration systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Your expertise will help create a proactive maintenance culture, contributing to the company's commitment to quality and efficiency. If you have a strong mechanical aptitude and a passion for problem-solving, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training preferred.
• Three years’ experience with rooftop commercial AC units and industrial refrigeration systems.
• EPA608 certification is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC and industrial refrigeration systems.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and perform preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with vendors for repairs and provide emergency support.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Troubleshooting Skills

Refrigeration Principles

Safety Procedures Knowledge

Diagnostic Tools Proficiency

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical Training in Refrigeration Systems

EPA608 Universal Refrigerant Certification

Master HVACR Contract License

Tools

Diagnostic Tools

Power Hand Tools

Job description

This position will be the owner of all refrigeration systems at our facility; responsible for keeping them performing as per initial design. This includes reviewing and adjusting maintenance strategies for all components in the system, troubleshooting when refrigerant pressures and temperatures are out of limits or after a mechanical breakdown, guaranteeing minimum stock of critical spare parts, executing maintenance and repairs, and supporting the definition of the technical scope of major upgrades. Our refrigeration systems range from high to low temperatures, especially for low ones, such as freezers. Proven work experience with these systems is key to delivering a vision of ZERO downtime and waste due to refrigeration issues at our facility. The candidate will have a good hands-on working knowledge of all aspects of electrical controls, mechanical assembly, plumbing, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning related control systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot, repair, and service all HVAC and industrial refrigeration systems using electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration skills, manuals, and technical drawings.
• Maintain and practice current knowledge of all EPA and OSHA regulations, including keeping accurate records of refrigerant usage and following EPA refrigerant recovery guidelines.
• Maintain critical spare parts inventory for HVAC and industrial refrigeration systems.
• Create and perform preventive maintenance procedures for all HVAC equipment, including step-by-step service instructions with time intervals.
• Solicit outside service support when needed.
• Collaborate with industrial refrigeration vendors on repairs; set up regular scheduled services needed such as vibration and oil analysis.
• Provide support to production and facility-related equipment as needed/directed.
• Provide emergency unscheduled troubleshooting and repairs of production equipment during the manufacturing process; perform scheduled maintenance repairs of production and facility equipment.
• Prepare and set up machinery for scheduled production runs.
• Repair and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.
• Perform mechanical tasks including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration plumbing (including pressure testing and regular leak checks on all refrigeration systems).
• Read and interpret equipment manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance and service; create and modify preventive maintenance procedures.
• Coordinate and expedite repair operations with production supervisors.
• Ensure that equipment is running at proper speeds to achieve throughput standards and quality.
• Manage daily work orders; complete required paperwork in a timely manner.
• Perform cleaning operations using detergent baths, degreasing, grit blasting, wire brushing, etc.
• Use power hand tools daily in a safe manner.
• Perform equipment inspections, correcting any process or safety deviations.
• Write reports as needed, including daily communication reports, sharing information that has occurred on their shift.
• Follow OSHA, AIB, SQF standards.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED, required.
• Technical training or certification in refrigeration systems, preferred.
• Three years’ experience servicing/repairing rooftop commercial AC units (10t or greater).
• Three years’ experience servicing/repairing industrial refrigeration systems (especially low temperature systems) – screw/reciprocating compressors, evaporators, rooftop condensers, expansion, relief valves, and other associated HVAC/industrial refrigeration controls.
• Five years’ related experience in an industrial manufacturing environment in a maintenance position, preferably in an automated food processing plant.
• EPA608 universal refrigerant certification.
• Possessing a Master HVACR contract license is preferable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have a strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration principles, including compression, condensation, and evaporation cycles.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations pertaining to refrigeration systems (e.g., PSM/RMP).
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment for troubleshooting and repair.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to maintenance and repair work.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Good communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues and management.
• Low temperature systems knowledge (freezers).
• Equipment ownership behavior.
• ZERO loss mindset, oriented to have systems performing as per original design.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work involves daily and frequent exposure to a variety of environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise, vibration, cold/hot temperatures, wetness, and humidity.
• Work environment involves daily exposure to physical risks and hazards, such as working around mechanical equipment, mechanical hazards, forklifts, chemical hazards, electrical hazards, fire and explosives hazards, and communicable diseases.
• Position requires the ability to stand; walking around the office, warehouse, and plant; lifting and carrying packages up to 50 pounds; utilizing fine dexterity; and reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting on a daily basis; working in confined spaces.

Expectations:

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s core values in people, quality, and growth.